Bennie Rathmell Hail Gay, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Coleman community, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Coleman County Medical Center in Coleman, Texas. Born on January 9, 1931, in Novice, Texas, Bennie lived a life marked by love, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to her family.
A proud graduate of Novice High School in 1948, Bennie’s early years in Novice shaped the caring and lively spirit that she carried throughout her life. Her warm-hearted nature was reflected in her roles as a devoted wife and mother and as a homemaker who found immense joy in taking care of her loved ones. She married Melvin Curtis “Moose” Hail on April 14, 1950, and after his passing, she married Elmer Floyd Gay, whom she married on November 24, 1997.
Bennie’s personality was vibrant and engaging; she was known for her fun and outgoing nature. She treasured spending time with family and friends and had passions that brought joy to her later years. Among her favorite pastimes were her Tuesday night Bingo games at the Coleman Senior Center and playing the domino game forty-two at the Elm Street Church of Christ, where her laughter and spirit were a delight to all who knew her.
She is remembered with deep affection by her surviving family members: her children Donna Lee Watson of Coleman; Jackie Ann Fulbright and husband J.W. of Coleman; David Brian Hail and wife Patty of Coleman; Patricia Kay Hail of Coleman; and James Curtis Hail and wife Chrissi of Coleman. Bennie’s love extended beyond her children to her treasured grandchildren Leigh Ann Qualia, Tera Lynn Robison, James Reece Fulbright, Shawn Lynn Hail, Dava Leann Merrifield, Heather Lynn Hail, Melanie Kay Marcee, Alexis Arlee Hail Stephens, James Caleb Hail, and Caitlin Jade Moseley. She was also the proud great-grandmother to thirteen great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to her life.
Bennie was preceded in death by her parents, Barnett Lodge Rathmell and Gertie Mae Baker Rathmell; her two husbands, Melvin Curtis “Moose” Hail and Elmer Floyd Gay; one grandson, Breck Ward Fulbright; as well as four brothers and four sisters, whose memories she held dear.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. followed immediately by the funeral service at 2:30 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home located at 400 W Pecan St, Coleman, Texas. Family, friends, and community members are welcome to attend and celebrate the remarkable life of Bennie. Dr. Chas Shira, minister at First Baptist Church, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home.
Bennie’s legacy is one of kindness, care, and an enduring love for those around her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were fortunate to know her.
The family requests with gratitude that memorials in memory of Bennie be made to The American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.ort or to the West Texas Rehabilitation at www.westtexasrehab.org.
We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Hail family by signing the guestbook on Bennie’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Bennie Rathmell Hail Gay.
